Shelf life for powders?

Glennster · January 13, 2008, 09:31 PM

I've got some powder that's about 11 years old. It's Alliant Power - Bullseye.
Is this still OK to use?
Thanks!!!

rwilson452 · January 14, 2008, 12:11 AM

Powder when properly stored will last longer than you will. If it smells funny or looks like it has rust in it. it's bad. otherwise go for it.

Glennster · January 14, 2008, 07:41 AM

It looks and smells good!!!
I appreciate the info!
Thank you!

Scorch · January 14, 2008, 03:52 PM

I have powders that are over 20 years old and still work fine.

dtalley · January 14, 2008, 04:22 PM

I have loaded some Unique and 2400 recently that was at least 15 to 20 years old. Both shot fine.

ForneyRider · January 14, 2008, 05:35 PM

Article in a reloading magazine compared a powder 50years old to a current batch of same powder. The results were very similar. In fact, the old powder had slightly higher velocities.

crowbeaner · January 16, 2008, 12:12 AM

I have powder in sealed cans that is older than I am and it still smells and shoots like it was just made. I have a 1/2 tin of Red Dot that doesn't have the dots in it and it smells just like new stuff. If properly stored your grandkids will be using it. Anyone have data for HI-Vel #2 and the 257 or 30/06? CB.

January 13, 2008, 09:31 PM	#1
Glennster Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2005 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 226	Shelf life for powders? I've got some powder that's about 11 years old. It's Alliant Power - Bullseye. Is this still OK to use? Thanks!!!

January 14, 2008, 03:52 PM	#4
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,249	I have powders that are over 20 years old and still work fine. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 14, 2008, 12:11 AM	#2
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	Powder when properly stored will last longer than you will. If it smells funny or looks like it has rust in it. it's bad. otherwise go for it.

January 14, 2008, 07:41 AM	#3
Glennster Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2005 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 226	It looks and smells good!!! I appreciate the info! Thank you!

January 14, 2008, 04:22 PM	#5
dtalley Member Join Date: May 25, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 36	I have loaded some Unique and 2400 recently that was at least 15 to 20 years old. Both shot fine.

January 14, 2008, 05:35 PM	#6
ForneyRider Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2007 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 725	Article in a reloading magazine compared a powder 50years old to a current batch of same powder. The results were very similar. In fact, the old powder had slightly higher velocities.

January 16, 2008, 12:12 AM	#7
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	I have powder in sealed cans that is older than I am and it still smells and shoots like it was just made. I have a 1/2 tin of Red Dot that doesn't have the dots in it and it smells just like new stuff. If properly stored your grandkids will be using it. Anyone have data for HI-Vel #2 and the 257 or 30/06? CB.